Australian Formula 1 sensation Oscar Piastri has firmly rejected discussions about supporting McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the championship battle, declaring he remains focused on winning the title himself despite the odds.
Defiant Stand Against Team Orders
The Melbourne-born driver revealed ahead of this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix that McLaren had approached him about potentially assisting Norris, who currently leads the championship standings. Piastri's response was unequivocal: "We've had a very brief discussion on it and the answer is 'no'."
Piastri's confidence stems from his mathematical chance at the title, sitting equal on points with reigning champion Max Verstappen in second place, though 24 points adrift of Norris with only two race weekends remaining.
Championship Mathematics and Mindset
"I'm still equal on points with Max and I've got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way," Piastri stated, acknowledging the challenge while refusing to surrender his ambitions. The Australian understands the reality of his position, noting he needs "other things to go my way" beyond simply winning the remaining races.
The championship scenario intensified after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, where both McLaren cars were disqualified for excessive plank wear while Verstappen claimed victory. Without those disqualifications, Piastri would have trailed Norris by 30 points rather than the current 24-point deficit.
Support from an Unlikely Ally
Red Bull's Max Verstappen surprisingly backed Piastri's stance against team orders. "Why would you suddenly say that Oscar wouldn't be allowed? If that was said to me, I wouldn't have turned up," Verstappen commented. "I would have told them to 'f off'. If you are a winner and a racer, you go for it."
The Dutch champion emphasized that true competitors would never accept a secondary role, stating "We go all in. We have nothing to lose" when reflecting on Piastri's position.
Piastri returns to the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar where he secured his first F1 victory in 2023, expressing confidence in his chances at a track where he has historically performed well. With 33 points still available this weekend through the sprint race and main Grand Prix, the Australian remains determined to fight until the very end.
